Changing patterns of stylistic diversity in Blackfoot biographic art across the nineteenth century

Abstract

During the nineteenth century, biographic art was used to depict events representing a warrior's most prominent accomplishments. These compositions were narrative in form, designed to be read by anyone familiar with the conventions embedded within their animated scenes. Accordingly, these artifacts are genuine historical documents, which – as part of a chronological sequence – record true a history that unfolds over decades. Here, using an established multivariate seriation method (PCo), we examine patterns of stylistic change and diversity in mobiliary biographic artworks of the Blackfoot (Niitsítapi). We are able to further demonstrate the power of this method, correctly placing three previously unanalyzed works within the chronological sequence, as well as dating two previously undated artworks. This sequence also sheds light on the biographic rock art of the region. Moreover, specific stylistic patterns and trends of change can demonstrably be tied to broader socio-economic features documented in the historical and ethnohistorical records of Blackfoot peoples.